Posted on 38,345 Comments on Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

Access to healthcare can be determined by several factors (i.e. geographical location, income, insurance)–being an immigrant, especially a recent immigrant to the U.S., is one of these factors. In Albany, NY, the immigrant population has grown over the past few years and currently, 13.2% of the population consists of individuals that were not born in the U.S. (1). Coming to a new country presents many unique challenges, but access to healthcare is one that can prevent individuals from adjusting well and living a safe and healthy lifestyle.

Health Insurance

Due to their lack of citizenship after first moving to the U.S., health insurance options can be limited for immigrants, especially for undocumented immigrants (2). This limits access to many providers who only accept patients with insurance, and while undocumented immigrants can sometimes receive care from community health centers, this care is often only basic primary care or to be used in emergencies (2).

In New York state, all children can receive the Child Health Plus plan, regardless of their immigration status. This plan is comprehensive and includes preventative care, well-child visits, and emergency services (3). Additionally, pregnant women can receive Medicaid regardless of immigration status and some documented immigrants may qualify for the Essential Plan soon after they move to NY (2). However, if an individual does not fit into these categories, the only services that an undocumented immigrant may receive are emergency services (2). While this is beneficial, it leaves out the preventative care and services that can treat symptoms before they worsen beyond control.

Translation Services & Health Literacy

Many immigrant families, especially when they first immigrate to the U.S., are considered to have low English proficiency (LEP). This makes communication in healthcare settings a challenge and can be a barrier to receiving quality care, as the patient and provider cannot have a direct, fluid conversation. Some health care settings in New York have put up this ‘Language Identification Tool Poster’ that allows patients to point to their language, so that appropriate translation services may be provided.  A portion of the poster is shown below, with a link to the full poster here:

While resources such as this poster can help, patients and providers would still not be able to speak directly to each other, and would only be able to communicate through a translator.

Additionally, understanding health insurance options can also be difficult when there is a language barrier, as there are different requirements for each plan. A search engine can be found here for in-person help. This search engine consists of a directory of in-person helpers that can assist individuals in navigating the health system and health insurance plans specifically. While only eight languages are supported, including English, this service can benefit some individuals in understanding how to receive health services for themselves and their families.

COVID-19

With the current pandemic, language barriers present a unique challenge in being able to transmit public health information clearly to the general population. As immigrants make up a large portion of the population, it is essential that they understand basic information about the virus and are able to practice appropriate measures to limit the spread of the virus. Valleywise Health Medical Center in Arizona has made a series of videos available on Youtube that describe what COVID-19 is and what to do if you are sick. These videos have been made available in 12 languages, one of which can be played below.

These videos can be incredibly helpful for individuals that may not understand what is happening in their local communities as a result the virus, but coming across these videos may not be common for many immigrants, as they require some searching. It would therefore be helpful for similar resources and information to be sent to or made available to local communities, either in the style of videos or in pamphlet form.

While many resources exist to help immigrants navigate the healthcare system and obtain information about resources, these resources are not always used or made readily available to immigrant families. Many require searching and prior knowledge about websites and organizations that usually provide public health, insurance, and language services. In the future, it would be important to ensure that immigrants are aware of the resources that exist so that they can have access to the healthcare that they might need. What are some ways this could be done?

38,345 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  8. a very popular lottery game in Singapore, which attracts many people because it offers the chance to win big prizes with a relatively small investment. Like other lotteries, for those of you who are curious about the continuation, you can visit our website here https://01kuku.com

    Reply

  9. Empire88 adalah situs slot dengan depo dana minimal 10k tanpa potongan resmi di Indonesia dan sudah terbukti gacor. Satu satunya di Indonesia paling gacor dan terpercaya hanya di Empire88 login alternatif empire88

    Reply

  10. بت فورواردشرط بندی ورزشی و کازینویی BetForward، مسابقات فوتبال، بسکتبال، بازی های کازینویی باکارات، پوکر، انفجار بت فوروارد بدون فیلتر سایت بت فوروارد

    Reply

  12. The vacation delivers on offer are : believed a selection of some of the most selected and additionally budget-friendly global. Any of these lodgings tend to be very used along units may accented by means of pretty shoreline supplying crystal-clear turbulent waters, concurrent with the Ocean. hotels packages MANUP GUMMIES

    Reply

  13. บริการ SMS Gateway ครบวงจร ส่ง SMS Marketing และ SMS OTP โปรแกรมส่งออนไลน์ เชื่อมต่อ API ใช้งานง่าย ส่งไวครบจบในที่เดียว ราคาต่ำสุด 0.18 บาท sms

    Reply

  16. Aw, this was a really nice post! I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this site. Best of luck for the next! Please visit my web site.Best LED Video Wall service provider.

    Reply

  17. Hello there, You did a really good job. Without a doubt, I will research it and personally recommend it to my friends. They will undoubtedly gain something from this website. I hope the next one goes well! Kindly click on my website. Lokaway Safe Australia

    Reply

  24. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, These type of articles keeps the users interest in the website, and keep on sharing more … good luck Sugar Defender

    Reply

  25. This is a service that allows you to quickly secure cash if you have a credit card. You can apply for cash if you have a credit card in your name without having to go through a complicated loan screening process 신용카드 현금화

    Reply

  26. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it! Sewa Mobil Banyuwangi

    Reply

  27. Thanks for an interesting blog. What else may I get that sort of info written in such a perfect approach? I have an undertaking that I am just now operating on, and I have been on the lookout for such info. caluanie muelear

    Reply

  29. Wonderful article. Fascinating to read. I love to read such an excellent article. Thanks! It has made my task more and extra easy. Keep rocking. typhu88

    Reply

  30. The examples below is definetly for instance glimmer brilliant. Each one of these insignificant issues are built utilizing wide variety of cornerstone knowledge. I spend time these folks a great deal. typhu88

    Reply

  31. I will immediately snatch your rss feed as I can not in finding your email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly allow me recognise so that I may subscribe. Thanks. https://vnloto2.blog/

    Reply

  32. We are the leader and expert in providing car rental service in Khon Kaen for over 20 years. Kaen Nakhon Car Rent is ready to offer you the best car rental experience in Khon Kaen with our complete service, superior quality and the lowest price. We believe that no one understands and meets the needs of those who are looking for car rental in Khon Kaen at a good price better than us. Whether you are traveling for leisure, business or need car rental at Khon Kaen Airport, we have special packages and deals that will make your trip even more perfect. We offer free car pick-up and drop-off service to the airport, friendly service and high-quality car rentals that are well-maintained and equipped with all the amenities. รถเช่าขอนแก่น

    Reply

  33. We are the leader and expert in providing car rental service in Khon Kaen for over 20 years. Kaen Nakhon Car Rent is ready to offer you the best car rental experience in Khon Kaen with our complete service, superior quality and the lowest price. We believe that no one understands and meets the needs of those who are looking for car rental in Khon Kaen at a good price better than us. Whether you are traveling for leisure, รถเช่าขอนแก่น

    Reply

  34. This valuable appearances totally proper. Each one of minimal details have decided thanks to large number with practical experience simple awareness. I’m just excited them just as before significantly. dominoqq

    Reply

  36. There are some interesting cut-off dates on this article but I don know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity however I will take maintain opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want extra! Added to FeedBurner as effectively private male stripper nyc

    Reply

  40. I haven’t any phrase to realize this publish…..truly i am inspired from this put up….the person that create this publish it was a terrific human..thank you for shared this with us. sedunia toto

    Reply

  43. Came clueless, left worried. Thanks for the post. Sometimes I wonder whether the planet is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it. https://vnloto3.life/

    Reply

  44. Superior post, keep up with this exceptional work. It’s nice to know that this topic is being also covered on this web site so cheers for taking the time to discuss this! Thanks again and again! anru33.pro

    Reply

  48. Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very much appreciated. https://vnloto3.life/

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *